Béla, Béla, Béla, Béla... this name is an utter charm! It is sophisticated without being pretentious, beautiful yet masculine, and a wonderful transition name from childhood to man (a boy could even be known as "Bo/Beau" in his young years-- or adult). Perhaps my liking spawns off the fact that I am an avid fan of old, black and white horror movies... Béla Lugosi, my friends?

In English-speaking countries (especially the United States) I do foresee potential gradeschool mocking... which is where my "Bo" nickname could come to play. As long as it is paired accordingly I see no issue establishing in the business world-- Béla Vincent Bodrogi, yes sir. A Béla Phoenix Appleseed, not entirely.

I still want parents to use with discretion and caution. Take into account your surrounding culture and all such things associated.

Some think the name Bela comes from Slavic meaning "white." This is not possible because the Hungarians had this name prior to their entry into central Europe in @896. They lived previously in what is now the Ukraine and previous to that had lived in the Kazan area of Russia. The only population influencing them there were Turkic people evidenced by their nearly total absorption of Turkic culture. Slavic words entered the language in the modern Hungarian area and were agricultural. The name could ultimately come from the Middle East since the ancient Hungarian alphabet originates there coming through Turkic peoples. There are three instances of the name in the Old Testament.